How I keep my family healthy during cold and flu season

Is it spring yet??? I can’t believe how many people I’ve spoken to just or heard of in the past week that are sick or have sick kids. I know it’s the season, but it feels so much Worse this year. Building healthy immune systems is more important than ever. I wanted to share some of the things we do to help build immunity, keep germs at bay in our house , and avoid getting sick as much as possible. Of course we get the occasional common cold or stomach bug, but If we do it doesn’t last long and is much milder than if we didn’t do what we do. Isabella has thankfully only had one sick visit in 3 years. You can stop the dreaded ” sickness cycle”. Here are some of our basics:

1)Eat healthy:
Protein (try to increase the amount of plant-based proteins you are eating), seasonal fruits and vegetables, healthy fats , etc. Avoid processed foods and sugar as much as possible, especially if you feel like you are getting sick or are already sick. Did you know that sugar weakens the immune system. The key is to eat as much real whole food as possible!

2) We take vitamins:
It’s nearly impossible to get all the nutrition we need from food, so we supplement to maximize and strengthen our immune system.
For Bill and I, our daily fundamental nutrition includes Vitalizer, Vitamin C, and Nutriferon. Nutriferon increases the production of Interferon, a critical factor in immunity, in our bodies. It has changed my life.

Isabella for the past 5 years has taken the whole food multi vitamin Incredivites, 500 mg of chewable vitamin c, and a DHA supplement. I love that there is nothing artificial or harmful in any of the supplements we take. For the whole family, we all add Vitalized Immunity if we feel ourselves coming down with anything and it knocks it right out. It’s like an all natural Airborne or emergen c without all the junk.

3) Wash your Hands-a lot:
I know this isn’t revolutionary. But it’s critical in helping not spread germs around. I’ve been telling Isabella to make sure she is washing her hands several times a day in school as well.

4)Clean and “De-Germ”:
Wipe Down countertops, door handles, faucets, toilets, appliance doors-all the places germy hands may come in contact with. (Chemicals in some cleaning products could further aggravate a cold or respiratory virus)

5) All natural remedies

-Pure raw Buckwheat Honey: Hands down the best natural cough suppressant I have ever tried. And works MUCH BETTER than any over the counter cough medicine you will buy. Keep a jar in your house-you will be so glad you have someone starts that awful nighttime coughing.

-Apple cider vinegar: great for a sore throat. Mix it with some warm water, lemon, and a little raw honey to make a tea. Use it to bring down your child’s fever by soaking a pair of socks in apple cider vinegar and cold water ( yes, really!) and put the socks on them.

-Elderberry Syrup: proven to prevent or reduce the duration of the flu. We’ve added a teaspoon a day into our daily routine. Double it up if you are sick.

6 days agoby thebrooklynmomI tend to go a tad overboard....10 footer this year. Hubs was less than happy trying to get it home and getting it to stand up. But isn’t it beautiful? There’s something about sitting in front of a lighted Christmas tree that brings me a sense of calm and peacefulness...and can’t we all use a little of that this time of year. #christmas2017#nycchristmas#christmastree

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Simple Ways to Build immunity and keep your Kids healthy

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Hi, I’m Vanessa and welcome to my blog! I live in Downtown Brooklyn with my husband Bill and 6 year old daughter Isabella. A little about me and why I started this blog: I had built a successful career in the Fashion Industry for almost 20 years. I worked full time hours and traveled a lot. After my daughter was born, I began to realize more and more that this was not how I wanted to live my life. I wanted to do something with more flexibility that would allow me to spend more time with my family. I am now a Stay at Home Mom since December 2013 (I still can’t believe it sometimes!), with my own business as a natural health and wellness consultant and I’ve never been happier!

I am passionate about sharing with other moms easy ways they can make their families and their homes just a little healthier and greener. Here is where I share recipes and ways to get kids to eat healthier, my favorite healthy living tips, day to day life as a mom, and of course, all things Brooklyn. Thanks so much for visiting!